Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning says at least 1,000 child care programs have voluntarily agreed to participate in a new state ratings system.

The agency launched the initiative in January. Commissioner Bobby Cagle described the ratings as similar to those used in service industries like restaurants and hotels. The ratings do not replace the minimum standards required for a child care program to get a license to operate.

Instead, it involves a three-star rating system to rate a programs services that go beyond the minimum requirements for a license.

Cagle's agency has promised that by July 2013, the public will be able to go online to see if a provider is participating in the program and to check the ratings of those who are assessed.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)